Archaeologists unearth marble treasures as Macedonian tomb excavated

Euronews

Fresh light is being shed on the size of an ancient Macedonian tomb after archaeologists took new steps in excavating the site.

Believed to be linked to the reign of Alexander the
Great, the excavation of two marble statues has added to speculation that what still lies beneath will be of great historical significance.

Konstantinos Tassoulas, Greece’s Minister for Culture, outlined why the findings are stirring up such excitement:

“The discovered tomb is of unprecedented proportions in the entire Balkan region. It is also very impressive for its artistic technique. As the excavation progresses the extremely elaborate decorative elements that gradually come to light, reveal their stunning beauty to our eyes.”

The excavation, taking place near Amphipolis in Northern Greece, has provided frenzied speculation that its size and grandeur means it could have belonged to a family member of Alexander the Great.

Archaeologist Athanasios Salonikios has summarised what differentiates this find from others:

“There are several tombs from this particular historic period that have been excavated in Amphipolis. But this one is beyond proportion to anything that has been discovered so far. It is unique.”

Many more treasures may lie undiscovered. So far archaeologists have only explored less than half of the tomb

Euronews’ Stamatis Giannisis reported from the site of the excavation, noting:

“Here, a five metre tall imposing marble statue of a lion is thought to have stood at the head of this massive tomb and serves as ample proof for many that whoever was buried there was a person of great significance”